The sun shines year round but Oct. to March, the days are pleasant (26°C, nights 15°C) Summer is April to Sept. and temperatures peak around 50°C with high humidity. The sun can be fierce so heatstroke, heat exhaustion are always a risk. Sunglasses, hats, and high factor sun creams are essential, especially for children.

DRESS

As in many Arab/Muslim countries dress should be modest. Wearing revealing tops or shorts in public places is not advisable.

CURRENCY

The dirham (pronounced dir-ham) is the U.A.E. official currency. Dirham notes are in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 denominations. The dirham is divided into 100 fils. Coins are 1 dirham, 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils.

Credit cards: Major credit cards are widely accepted by car rental companies, the bigger stores, hotels and some restaurants, however you should carry some cash for general shopping and eating out at smaller establishments.

Exchange: There are no currency regulations and foreign currency of almost any denomination is readily exchanged in the U.A.E. The dirham is index linked to the US dollar. 1$ = Dhs 3.68. The exchange centres are found throughout the U.A.E. such as the U.A.E. Exchange Centre, opening hours are from 8:30am right through to 9:30pm, 365 days a year. There is also Thomas Cook Al Rostamani Exchange Centre.

Banks: Most Banks open at 8:00 am and close at 1:00 except Mashreq Bank who open until 4:15pm. They are closed all day Friday and public holidays.

SHOPPING/TIPPING

Bargaining is expected, especially in the souqs, where prices can drop dramatically. Tipping is common for most services but it is not obligatory

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

* Religious holidays are tied to the Islamic calendar and therefore dates vary. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Islamic Public Holidays are often not announced until a day or two before they occur:

Death of a minister or member of the royal family is usually marked by a 3 day official mourning period.

TAXIS are readily available and are the best way to get around. They can be flagged down on the street. In general fares are Dhs 5-10 for around town. If you leave the built-up area there will be an increase. Distances any further should be negotiated before embarking on your journey.

BUSES run reguarly between Dubai and Fujairah (around one every hour during the day and evening); the cost is 25 Dhs one way. The bus service is comfortable and women and couples/families sit in the front two to three rows and males in the remaining seats. Buses leave from the old Plaza Cinema near HSBC in Fujairah and stop at Union Square in Dubai.

DRIVING is (usually) on the right and there is an excellent road network throughout the Emirates and petrol is cheap. Traffic regulations are strict, with radar and cameras in use by the police. The speed limit in built-up areas is 60– 80 kph and 100–120 kph for cars on the open road. It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without police permission. Under no circumstances can you drink and drive. Seat belts are compulsory. Children under 12 are prohibited from travelling in front seats of vehicles.